An Illustration of Following the Spirit (Part 1)

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  Galatians 5:16

I used to think Paul didn't make this verse very "practical," that the Galatians knew instantly what he meant, but that we have to search lexicons and commentaries to get a hint of what he might have meant.  The Spirit of Christ shows me otherwise today.

You know how it feels to follow someone in a line.  To walk by following him, or to let him lead you.  This is what it means to "walk by the Spirit," or as Paul says two verses later:

"But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."  Galatians 5:18

So walking by the Spirit is synonymous with being led by the Spirit.

Focus on the idea of someone leading you, and the different ways it feels to be led:

• We've talked about literally walking behind someone.
• Yet someone could take your hand, without words, and lead you to a table at a restaurant.
• The same woman on another lunch date could wave you to her table, leading you visually.
• Or the man who invited you to meet his mother could call your name, and you come his table in response.

Key word:  Response.

A leader initiates a direction via various communication.
A follower responds and goes in that direction.


click HERE for part 2